Image: HS2 Ltd
Newly appointed transport secretary Chris Grayling has signalled that the government remains committed to the £50bn high speed rail line.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s The World This Weekend, Grayling said: “I have no plans to back away from the HS2 project.”
He added: “The thing that’s important for people to understand is that HS2 is not simply a speed project, it’s a capacity project.
“We have lines at the moment which have seen huge increases in the number of passengers, the amount of freight in recent years.
“Of course it makes sense if we’re going to build a new railway line for it to be a fast railway line, to reduce travel times from north to south – that’s logical.
“But actually we need a better transport system for the 21st century and HS2 is part of increasing the capacity of our transport system.”
Phase one of the scheme is expected to cost £27.4bn and the green light for work to start is due later this year. The first round of contracts worth £11bn are due to be awarded in the coming months.
Though the news is positive in that it signals a commitment to infrastructure under the new May administration, the industry is desperate for decision on a third airport runway at Heathrow.
Gatwick Airport continues to ramp up its lobbying efforts – as London mayor Sadiq Khan reaffirmed his support for the airport over Heathrow. Khan was officially at Gatwick to congratulate the airport’s decision to increase inward investment by £200m, taking its 2016-21 capital programme to £1.2bn, including expansion of the north and south terminals.
“Gatwick is the front door to London for millions of visitors to our city and I salute their decision to spend another £200m on improvements to the airport. They have put together a formidable plan that is a fantastic display of their confidence in London,” Khan said.
“The new prime minister has a very important decision to make regarding new airport capacity, and I urge her to rule as swiftly as possible in favour of a second runway at Gatwick, which would bring substantial economic benefits.”
Images: Gavinbarwell.com; Bengummer.com
